Pontiac-Grand Prix -
Secondary Air Pump
Ramblnmn (24.189.155.52) - Sat Nov 8 13:59:26 2008
Hi All, I have a 2000 Grand Prix GT 3.8L My secondary air pump finally went after 8 years and 103, 000 miles. When I brought my car to my mechanic he replaced the pump as well as did an conversion kit to re-routue the intake. Well I have replaced this pump 4 times already...and each time it was replaced my mechanic told me he found the pump filled with water, now just for the record I don't go swimming with this car...nor do I drive thru all the puddles in the road. I just got back from the 4 th pump bieng replaced and when I shut the car off the pump just kept running and wasn't able to turn it off unless I disconnected the battery. So I just disconnected the pump.......HAS ANYONE ever had this problem with this pump before.......????? Is it possible whatever tells this pump to go on is broken......To be be honest I don't know what this pump does... Any help would be apreciated.....
Reply #1 Lynn Fred (76.124.233.145) - Wed Jan 28 22:50:52 2009
Yes! I have had this exact same problem and am so frustrated that my dealer can't seem to solve the problem! I also have a 2000 Grand Prix GT 3.8L and currently have 123, 000 miles and up until last year was extremely pleased with it. This started in February 2008, at 114, 000 miles, with the Service Engine Soon light being activated. They found code P0410, Air Injection Error, found air pump fuse blown, replaced it, blew again, found air pump motor shorted, replaced air pump and filter. When I drove the car away ($499 later) I immediately noticed a louder noise from the engine area while driving. Four days later the Service Engine Soon light came back on. They found code P0128, Coolant below Threshold, checked operation of cooling system and found fans running all the time and the engine temperature was not running high enough; replaced thermostat and topped system. Fan then shut off as designed. (talked them into no new charges). One day later, the Service Engine Soon light came on again. Again found code P0410, Air Injection Error, air system fuse blown again also again found hose full of water. They blew it dry and refabricated a shield for air inlet and seal. Replaced fuse. Then found secondary air solenoid leaking vacuum causing air pump valve to open at incorrect time (possibly from water intrusion); replaced solenoid. This finally seemed to have solved the problem (not sure if it was the fabricated shield or the solenoid replacement or a combination that finally worked, and they also did it at no charge). BUT...10 months later, it's happening again! This month the Service Engine Soon light came back on...same air code found, water in the hoses found, blown fuse found; cleared out the water, replaced fuse, charged $39 and they think it's all good...but now 2 weeks later the Service Engine Light is on again...and I still hear a louder than usual noise coming from that same area of the engine (near the air pump). I can't decide whether to give up on the dealer and take it somewhere else or try them one more time...hoping to get it fixed for free. But at this point they admit that they have no idea what is going on...and asked if I go through automatic car washes often...which I don't (maybe once a year at the most)...so like you...I'm at a loss. But thank goodness I only had the air pump replaced once through all of this. If I find out anything new or helpful I'll let you know. I feel for you and wish you the best with this issue.
Reply #2 DOC (70.188.36.234) - Tue Feb 3 23:47:01 2009
In Reply to the messages re: secondary air pump I Have also had my 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix to the mechanic. Now $422.00 later the check engine light reappeared on again for the 3rd time! my mechanic referred to the water as condensation in the pump. and even said he detected rust on the air valve which he cleaned out and said that if it happens again would need replaced for an additional $315.00.This car is not driven through puddles or high water we only have 45, 000 miles. Just out of warranty and it all began... I would be interested to count the replys of how many are being affected in the pontiac frenzy repair. Its the worse nightmare ever wheres our bailout GM ??? Come on now this is definately a trend going on and needs attention yesterday...
Reply #3 Lynn Fred (76.124.233.145) - Wed Feb 4 19:30:40 2009
I found some interesting info on line, that my dealer never mentioned. Here's what I read: 90% of the time the one way check valves have worn out or failed and allow water (which occurs naturally in the exhaust) back into the pump. In any cold climate, especially with high humidities, this water may be more excessive. The water partially fills the air pump and can freeze in colder climates. When the PCM (?) commands the pump to run, if the pump has frozen water in it, it cannot turn, thus overloading the circuit and "popping" the fuse...setting off the Service Engine Soon indicator. After reading this, it made sense because mine first occurred last winter, then appeared to be OK for our warmer months of March-December, then occurred again in January. I also talked to a mechanic friend and he said that this is not an issue that will cause damage to the engine or leave you stranded anywhere as it is only related to the emissions system. So I decided to not take care of mine for a little bit and just see what happens. It also appears that Technical Services Bulletin # TSB# 040604037 was sent to or posted for GM service centers to access and I think it was dated 2004. Good luck to all who encounter this problem.
Reply #4 Mike (96.250.54.182) - Tue Mar 10 05:03:23 2009
Hello, The check valve (around $90) is located at the top of the engine by the firewall. It it goes bad, it allows exhaust air to back flow into the pump motor, filling it with water. It also allows that same exhaust to go right past the pump motor and back out the intake hose. If you redirect the intake hose into the engine compartment, then it will pump exhaust gas into the engine. This exhaust will definately make it into the cabin and fill the cabin with carbon monoxide.
Reply #5 Tera (128.227.105.129) - Wed Jul 8 12:10:37 2009
I have a 2006 Grand Prix and have had MANY problems. I've had to replace the flywheel twice! My tire rods are worn out and my hubs are warped VERY badly. Now, my check engine light is on. My machanic, Sears, also mention it was my secondary air pump and that it could be caused by water. If there are so many issues going on, there should definitely be a recall on our automobiles! This is just insane!
Reply #6 IRA (76.204.211.179) - Sun Jul 19 13:13:33 2009
THERE DEFINITE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON 2006 GRAND PRIX SECONDARY AIR PUMP. THIS IS JUST ONE REASON GM IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH CAR SALES, THEY DON'T WANT TO FIX THEIR CARS.
Reply #7 Dawn Whipple (199.173.225.25) - Wed Aug 26 15:11:19 2009
I have a 2008 Grand Prix and my engine light came on. I was also told it was the secondary air pump and paid $400 to get it fixed. I did not drive it more than 5 miles and it came back on. I was told mine also had water in it and I don't go through puddles. At the moment, my car is in the garage for the 3rd time in one week and am still waiting as what they are going to do. I was told it could be a parts controller moduler, but not sure of. I definately agree there should be a recall on this.
Reply #8 Jingles (72.37.171.36) - Mon Nov 2 00:37:14 2009
I have had a 2006 Grand Prix for the past four years and just as it passed the 50 000 mile marker I was told that it was not longer under factory warranty.Well I tried to get them to fix the issue when it was 40 000 and they told me that it wasn't covered under warranty...Secondary air pump...my mechanic told me that they would tell people that it wasn't under warranty probably hoping that we would just give up asked then pass the 50 000 mile marker that way they don't have to take care of THEIR problem. Check engine light has been on for the past couple of years and this year is the worst one of them all, now it's burning coolant, had the belt changed recently and Sears won't flush the coolant because the error code P0411 appears and it's an admissions thing that they don't deal with. I spend over $500.00 last year to get my car fixed for my inspection sticker and I'm sure I'm gonna spend the same this year. VERY disapointed in this vehicle
Reply #9 cdmdny (72.88.98.21) - Mon Nov 2 17:20:43 2009
I have a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix with error code P0411 - Air Control Valve Solenoid. Dealer wants over $400 to repair - not covered under warranty. As I have so much trust in the dealer - I called the warranty place myself and they stated that the warranty excludes emissions. I agree - there should be a recall on this.
Reply #10 rbm (98.232.183.49) - Wed Nov 18 02:33:48 2009
The term recall is short for safety recall. A common problem that any manufacturer is having with a vehicle or part that does not create a safety concern is not required by law to be fixed for free. Under certain conditions the company may issue a service campaign to fix the faults for free at their discretion. GM did this for the wiper modules that shorted out by the hundreds of thousands for about 5 years and finally closed it back in 2003. Honda, Nissan, Ford...every manufacturer has seen hundreds of common problems with their vehicles but will not fix them outside the warranty because THEY ARE OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY.
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